Library Updates

“Lit Search 101” Webinar Presented to Poison Control Centers across the U.S. and Canada

Chris Gaspard, Senior Librarian Liaison to the School of Medicine, was invited to present a webinar entitled “Lit Search 101” to the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) on February 15. AAPCC members from across the United States and Canada were able to learn about evidence-based medicine basics and then incorporate these principles into an effective organized medical literature search using PubMed. Dr. George Layton, a Certified Senior Specialist in Poison Information from the South Texas Poison Center, is currently an Associate Member of the AAPCC SPI Research Committee and requested the Briscoe Library’s assistance in producing the webinar.

The South Texas Poison Center at UT Health is a part of the Department of Emergency Medicine and is one of six regional poison centers located in the State of Texas that is accredited by the American Association of Poison Control Centers. Lizette Villarreal, the Director of the South Texas Poison Center, states that there are currently 8 Specialists in Poison Information (SPIs) answering over 200 calls each day from healthcare professionals, parents, grandparents, caregivers, and other members of the community. The South Texas Poison Center provides immediate, free, and expert treatment advice, information, and referral over the phone in case of exposure to poisonous or toxic substances. Pharmacists, physicians, and nurses answer the calls to 1-800-222-1222 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This was a great opportunity for the Library to collaborate with another UT Health Department. If you are interested in working with us on any such endeavors, please contact us.